CLEVELAND NATURALISTS'
FIELD CLUB
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Volume 6 Part 2 / Spring 1996Editorial
Acknowledgements to Contributors
News
Highlights of the 1995 Field Meetings
Observations on Invertebrates in Riccaldale-by Tony Wardaugh
The Flora of Port Mulgrave- by the Botanical Team
The Guisborough Walkway, 1995- by Darroll Fryer
Cliff Rigg
Field Meetings 1996
NNU Meetings
OFFICERS
President Secretary
MRS PAM LAW MR ERIC GENDLE
‘Brinby’, Hutton Lowcross, Guisborough. 13, Mayfield Road,
Nunthorpe.
Programme Secretaries Membership Secretary
MR VINCENT JONES MRS JEAN McLEAN
‘Hillways’, Ingleby Greenhow. 28, Pendle Crescent, Billingham.
MR DARROLL FRYER
8, Rye Dale, Guisborough.
Treasurer
MR JOHN BLACKBURN
6, Bylands Grove, Fairfield, Stockton-on-Tees.
Consultant Members
The following members will be pleased to assist in the identification of specimens.
Flowering Plants Fungi and Coleoptera Bryophytes
Ian Lawrence Alex Weir John Blackburn
Birds Lepidoptera
Maurice Hallam Neville Harwood (and General Entomology)
Malcolm Birtle (and Geology), Eric Gendle
Representatives
I.C. Lawrence (CWT) J.Blackburn (YNU) M.Birtle (NNU)
Membership Details
Any person interested in joining the Cleveland Naturalists Field Club should send their subscription to the Membership Secretary. Potential members are welcome to our field meetings listed at the back of this issue.
Annual subscriptions are due on the 1st January each year.
(Adult £5.00. Students under 18 yrs. £1.00)
Members are entitled to attend meetings of:
Yorkshire Naturalists' Union Northern Naturalists' Union
Cleveland Wildlife Trust The Ramblers' Association.
The Club is affiliated to these organizations.
Editorial
This is the sixth issue of the new Proceedings. The site chosen for special study this year was Cliff Rigg, near Gt. Ayton. Again it should be stated that these site-specific articles are not intended as exhaustive site surveys, but reflect the member’s interests and records over the past year. The site chosen for the next Proceedings is Marton West Beck and Sandy Flatts. Any records for this site will be gratefully accepted for inclusion.
Acknowledgements to Contributors
Many thanks to all the contributors that include Christopher Lowe (News), Tony Wardhaugh (Molluscs), Alex Weir (Fungi), Malcolm Birtle (Moths), Richard Pepper (Geology), Ian Lawrence (Botany), Darroll Frier (Botany and Guisborough Walkway), Maurice Hallam (Birds), Vince Jones (Botany), John Blackburn (Bryophytes), Eric Gendle (Drawings). So many people contribute to botanical records that they are referred to in this publication as the ‘Botanical Team’- the team consists primarily of Ian Lawrence, Vince Jones, Darroll Fryer, Pat Wood, Norman Thompson, John Blackburn, Pam Law, and Chris Lowe.
News
2nd November Heslop-Harrison Memorial Lecture, ‘Red Squirrels’, Peter Lurz, Walkington House
Demise of Cleveland County- by Malcolm Birtle
Cleveland County in its formal sense will disappear in 1996, after a very short history, in favour of unitary authorities based on the the major centres of population i.e Stockton, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Hartlepool. In natural history terms ‘Cleveland’ has meant, and will remain, the Northern area of vice-county 62 (part of North Yorkshire) and the Southern area of vice-county 66 (Durham). Again the wisdom of using vice-counties, instead of ephemeral government administrative/political districts has been demonstrated. The name of the Club will continue to reflect our members interest in an area we all know, but which remains beyond the definition of our political masters.
Great Scott -- Great Snipe- by Christopher Lowe
During field - work on Coatham Common this summer -- two major projects, so I was on site frequently -- the spectacle of a snipe (Gallinago gallinago) rising from almost underfoot was a daily occurrence. On one occasion, I disturbed a brooding bird from a clutch of three eggs.
On 27th August, however, something different happened. The `snipe' got up heavily on seemingly broader - based wings, and flew fairly low and very straight, unlike the usual towering, zig-zag trajectory. Moreover, this bird showed quite conspicuous white outer tail-feathers, and grunted several times, instead of uttering sporadic `schaaf' - like notes.
To all intents and purposes, this seemed typical of great snipe (Gallinago media), a very irregular visitor to Britain. I had scarcely any real doubt that I had stumbled on a rare bird; only conventional caution prevented my `ticking off' this as a certain sighting.
Martin Blick, CWT's `consultant' on bird-matters, searched the same area hours later, following my `phone - call, and saw the bird three times. He agreed that it was not common snipe. But, no more did it match his experience of great snipe. Despite its being larger than common snipe, this individual was not bulky enough for the larger species. Other features did not conform, either.
So, what is the answer? We do not know. The episode must remain a frustration as well as a mystery. The lesson available, however, is a salutory remainder that one should not be dogmatically certain about the hitherto unfamiliar. Nature can play tricks; `there are more things in Heaven and Earth than are dreamt of ....'
Some Interesting Botanical Records from Waupley Moor- by Christopher Lowe
Some time ago [LAW94], Ian Lawrence wrote about an outstanding patch of vegetation near the ASDA store in Stockton, which contained several locally rare species. This year (1995), a similar event has occurred, albeit in a very different setting- relatively remote moorland along the B 1366 in Langbaurgh, rather than urban waste-ground. Here, in open, grazed habitat, Vince Jones examined a small boggy area where he found considerable quantities of marshwort (Apium inundatum), a tiny umbellifer previously unrecorded in Cleveland. Chris Lowe also investigated this site, discovering a few plants of water purslane (Lythrum portula), again a species hitherto unknown in the County.
How has this happened? Were these species overlooked, or are genuinely recent arrivals? If the latter is true, are they a significant addition to our flora, or merely accidental, and possibly short-lived?
During his first visit, Vince also located three other specialities, cheek-by-jowl with the marshwort. These were: narrow buckler - fern (Dryopteris carthusiana); white sedge (Carex curta); and floating club -rush (Eleogiton fluitans). Whilst all three are typically plants of a and acid environment, they are but sparingly represented in Cleveland, in sites such as Eston Moor. Moreover, the marshy surrounds to this newly - discovered gem contain a high - quality supporting cast, including good populations of bog pimpernel (Anagallis tenella) and marsh cinquefoil (Potentilla palustris). The site is now thoroughly documented, with a sketch - map showing the main distributional features, but the question remains : how to `categorize' this patch of vegetation. Like Ian's ASDA site, this is not strictly eligible for the `Single Species Site Register', because of its multiplicity of noteworthy plants. The moorland in general has previously, and probably rightly, been designated as a ‘Site of Nature Conservation Importance', so this relatively minute wetland scarcely stands separately and in its own right.
Nature is not entirely co-operative; however the ecologist tries to classify, for human convenience or conservation purposes, some exceptions to a scheme are inevitable. We must perhaps be content, therefore, that this site is now fully documented, and that the 1995 observations are available, as a special survey filed under Waupley and Liverton Moors SNCI, for future reference in, for example, compiling the County's Red Data Book of vascular plants, or monitoring our richer botanical localities.
[LAW94] Lawrence I.,’Unusual Wild Plants on a Thornaby Wasteland, Proceedings of the Cleveland Naturalists’ Field Club, 5, 4, 1994, p.6
A Rare Immigrant Moth in County Cleveland- by Christopher Lowe
Not many European moths measure eight-and-a-half centimetres across the wings! This, though, was the dimension recorded for a striking creature found in his garage at Marske by Ken Bibby, Cleveland Wildlife Trust's Information Officer. The next day, September 6th, the moth was unfortunately dead, and brought to CWT Offices for identification. This process took a matter of seconds. The moth's size and distinctive colouring tallied with illustrations of Clifden Nonpareil (Catocala fraxini). At the time, this specimen was only the third instance this year of this very irregular migrant in Britain. Others may of course have been reported since.
The occurrence of rarities is seldom totally flukey or inexplicable. Late summer 1995 brought other Continental species such as Camberwell Beauty (Nymphalis antiopa) and yellow-winged darter (Sympetrum flaveolum). A pattern presumably links these records, of high summer temperatures prompting insect migrants to move, and light airs allowing their survival of a lengthy sea - crossing.
Pine Marten in the North Yorks Moors- by Christopher Lowe
This report, strictly speaking, does not concern Cleveland County. It is, however, an exciting local event. A motorist driving over Carlton Bank has claimed a sighting of a marten (Martes martes). Expert scrutiny of his evidence (by, for example, zoologist Johnny Birks) has given considerable credence to the report. Another pine marten was trapped not far from this area a few years ago [JEF94]. So, possibly a small and elusive population of this rare mammal persists in our local countryside. It is scarcely something to be expected during our occasional forays to the North Yorkshire Moors; but it is worth knowing that the species exists in our neighbourhood. Further particulars of pine martens' habitat, appearance and behaviour are available in brochures kindly sent to me by Dr. Birks. Ask Chris Lowe if you would like one.
[JEF94] Jeffries D.J., Critchley C.H.,’A New Pine Marten (Martes martes) Record for the North Yorkshire Moors:Skull Dimensions and Confirmation of Species’, Naturalist, 119, 1011, 1994
A Local Tree Survey- by Ian Lawrence
I am at present engaged in studying and recording the tree species growing in our area with my botanical research group based at the Botanic Centre at Acklam. These include introduced species such as are found at Stewart Park, Preston Park and Poole Hospital grounds at Nunthorpe. Many of our northern non-native species have been widely planted in the region such as Horse Chestnut, Walnut, Hornbeam, Norway Maple and several of these are fully mature specimens. There are also street plantings of trees such as Whitebeam species, Elms, Limes, Cherries (including Bird Cherry) and other ‘blossom’ trees and Alder species. Other open spaces such as cemeteries and small parks have interesting trees. One of the particular species I am giving special attention to are the many Poplar species such as the hybrid Black Poplars. I would like to map the occurrence of these throughout the old county Cleveland area and would thereforre be interested in localities of any tree you may consider as being unusual. I would appreciate fully-grown leaf specimens where there is any uncertainty to accompany the record. But please no exotic garden shrubs. Fully grown garden trees (other than orchard species!) are OK. Good tree hunting in 1996!
Highlights of the 1995 Field Meetings
Saturday 22nd April, Brignall Banks, led by Eric Gendle.
The woodlands by the River Greta were rich in spring flowers. The most interesting included: Moschatel (Adoxa moschatellina), Alternate-leaved Golden-saxifrage (Chrysosplenium alternifolium),Woodruff (Galium odoratum), Toothwort (Lathrea squamaria) and Wood Stitchwort (Stellaria nemorum). Ferns were also abundant. We particularly noted: Wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria), Polypody (Polypodium vulgare) and Hard Shield-fern (Polystichum aculeatum). Pied Flycatcher was also noted in the woods.
Sunday 14th May, Upper Teesdale, led by Neil Baker.
Bowlees quarry was visited first. Hairy Rock-cress (Arabis hirsuta) was coming into flower and Lesser Clubmoss (Selaginella selaginoides) was found on the quarry floor. However, the main walk of the day was by the River Tees from Wynch Bridge to High Force; several of the Upper Teesdale species were seen in flower. These included: Mountain Everlasting (Antenaria dioica), Tea-leaved Willow (Salix phyllicifolia), Globeflower (Trollius europaeus) and Mountain Pansy (Viola lutea). A fine stand of Shady Horsetail (Equisetum palustre) was seen by the river and pleasing patches of young Oak Fern (Gymnocarpium dryopteris) nestled at the base of the Juniper bushes near High Force.
The following birds were noted: Sparrowhawk, Black-headed Gull, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Rook, Lapwing (with young), Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, Dunnock, Robin, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Meadow Pipit, Tree Pipit, Skylark, Redstart, Wren, Song Thrush, Grey Wagtail, Common Sandpiper, Dipper, Mallard (with young), Swift, Swallow, House Martin, House Sparrow, Starling (with young), Stock Dove, Pheasant.
Wednesday 17th May, Bousdale, led by Kath Dilworth.
Lesser Water-parsnip (Berula erecta) was found by the pond on the old Guisborough railway. Neighbouring woodland yielded: Himalayan Honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa), Hairy Woodrush (Luzula pilosa), Three-nerved Sandwort (Moerhingia trinerva) and Wood Meadow-grass (Poa nemoralis).
The following birds were noted:Crow, Jackdaw, Canada Geese, Mallard, Coot, Water Hen, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Swift, Swallow, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Linnet, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler, Chiff-chaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Wren, Dunnock, Wood Pigeon
Saturday 20th May, Riccaldale, led by Pam Law.
The edge of forestry tracks yielded abundant Chickweed Wintergreen (Trientalis europaea) in fine flower. During the day several edges were studied; the most interesting finds were Dioeceous sedge (Carex dioica) and Few-flowered Spike-rush (Eleocharis quinquiflora) in wet flushes also Greater Tussock-sedge (Carex paniculata) in a woodland marsh.
The following birds were noted:Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Bullfinch (2), Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Chiff-chaff, Willow Warbler, Goldfinch, Dunnock, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Marsh Tit, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Lapwing, Crow, Collard Dove, Pheasant.
Wednesday 24th May, Bonny Grove Farm, led by Ian Lawrence.
Ian Lawrence led a meet:ing-with-a-difference, in that, with Shirley Muir, Middlesbrough District Council's ‘Becks Officer’, was present too, the walk-and-talk hinged upon likely or preferred developments to this important area of semi-natural habitats. It is a complex scenario: County Council ownership, extant farming tenancies, rapid suburban encroachment here on the town's Southern outskirts, an arguable ‘Corridor’ function for wildlife, possible Community Forest involvements, access for the public, site-management, ..... so many potentially conflicting ideas and aspirations! A pity, then, that only ten CNFC (or Nature Conservation Forum representatives) turned up; are they not interested in what happens to their own back-yard? The very threatening weather may have deterred attendance; we did in fact get quite wet. The natural history inevitably took second place but the visit sufficed to prove how good these upper reaches of Marton West Beck are. In particular, a patch of relict, untended, gorse-enclosed grassland caught the eye. It contained a significant population of pepper saxifrage (Silaum silaus). Elsewhere, the mix of open space, rough ground and linear woodland provided interesting surroundings and stimulated discussion.